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Cologne

Cologne was raised to a 'colony' (hence the name), with city status by the Romans in 50 AD, and was later absorbed into the Gallic Empire, becoming the capital from 260-271. The city was highly prized by both of these communities, due mainly to its location on the River Rhine, which placed it at the intersection of the major trade routes east and west, and was the basis of Cologne's growth. In addition to this, several saints were martyred in the city and the relics of the Three Magi were acquired from Milan. Cologne then also became a centre of ecclesiastical importance, as well as a pilgrimage centre, meaning the city continued to prosper in the middle ages as a result. Following a slight decline in the city's fortunes, Cologne experienced something of a renaissance in the 18th century with a recipe involving distilling flower blossoms in alcohol. This 'toilet water' achieved worldwide fame as eau de Cologne.

Although Cologne was badly damaged in the Second World War, the Cathedral survived, and extensive restoration work has since taken place throughout the city. In the modern age Cologne has reclaimed its old role as a major trade and business centre - now a radio and television metropolis, and a beer city, with over twenty breweries producing Kölsch, the distinctive local beer. Whilst in Cologne you really ought to visit the vast Cathedral. The foundation stone was laid in 1248, and it was finally completed in 1880. Called "the mother of all German churches", it is one of the largest Gothic structures ever built, and its size reflects its power - it is the seat of the Primate of Germany. The Cathedral was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, and today you can see the relics of the Three Magi, and climb the south tower for a spectacular view of the city and the Rhine.

Sightseeing in Cologne
Cologne's Old Town, which has been carefully restored to preserve its pre-war appearance, is also a joy to discover. It spreads from just south of the Cathedral to the bank of the Rhine. Here you can admire the tall and narrow pastel-coloured houses, set out along the Old Town's winding streets, as you wander to the Rhine Promenade for a stroll along the river. There are many traditional brewery taverns close to the Old Town, all of which serve Kölsch beer - brewed only in Cologne. You may wish to visit at least one of these to sample the beer for yourself.

If you have the time to explore further, Cologne boasts an assemblage of both Roman and medieval remains that is unsurpassed in Germany. For example Eigelsteintor, one of the three surviving magnificent city gates, is a short distance north. The other gates, Severinstor and Hahnentor, are further afield but also worth a visit.

14 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours to Cologne

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Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
River Cruise
2023JunJul
2024MayJunJulSep
8 days from
£2,295 pp
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8 days from
£2,295
per person
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tour map
  • DestinationFrance, Germany, The Netherlands
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
Map and accommodation
Rhine Gorge
River Cruise
4.2 stars(54 reviews)
2023JulAugSep
2024MayJunJulSepOct
8 days from
£1,995 pp
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8 days from
£1,995
per person
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tour map
  • DestinationFrance, Germany, The Netherlands
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
Map and accommodation
Glacier Express & St Moritz
Small Group
Last-Minute Savings
4.4 stars(50 reviews)
2023JunJulAugSep
2024MayJunJulAugSep
10 days from
£2,995 pp £2,595 pp
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Last-Minute Savings
10 days from
£2,995
£2,595
per person
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tour map
  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Zell am See
Small Group
Last-Minute Savings
4.3 stars(63 reviews)
2023JunJulAugSepOct
9 days from
£1,695 pp
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Last-Minute Savings
9 days from
£1,695
per person
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tour map
  • DestinationAustria
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Salzburg
River Cruise
4.4 stars(30 reviews)
2023JunJulAugSep
2024JunJulAug
9 days from
£2,895 pp
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9 days from
£2,895
per person
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tour map
  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
Map and accommodation
Danube Bend
River Cruise
2023JunAugSep
2024JunJulAug
10 days from
£2,895 pp
View Details
10 days from
£2,895
per person
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tour map
  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International / St Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
Map and accommodation
Classic Glacier Express at Christmas
Small Group
4.8 stars(8 reviews)
2023Dec
9 days from
£2,795 pp
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9 days from
£2,795
per person
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tour map
  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
The Harz Mountains
Small Group
4.6 stars(42 reviews)
2024JanFeb
7 days from
£1,395 pp
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7 days from
£1,395
per person
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  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
9 days from
£2,695
per person
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tour map
  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Grand Alpine Explorer
Small Group
4.6 stars(9 reviews)
2023JulAugSep
14 days from
£3,495 pp
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14 days from
£3,495
per person
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Switzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International / London Heathrow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
7 days from
£2,095
per person
View Details
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
7 days from
£1,995
per person
View Details
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Cologne tours
The Harz Mountains in Winter
17/Mar
Denis Horsman
5 stars
“A great trip with an exceptional tour manager
Collected by Trustpilot
Classic Glacier Express at Christmas
16/Jan
David Rose
5 stars
“As ever with Great Rail, this was a super trip with a very good tour manager - Linda. The hotels were very nice with some excellent meals. Glacier Express and Bernina Express were wonderful ways to see Switzerland. We really enjoyed the experience but a note to anyone going on a rail trip across Europe - you will have to change trains at various cities and be able to manage yourself and your bags across busy stations. We enjoy the excitement of rail travel but some folks seem surprised that a good level of mobility is required.
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn
14 Oct 2022
Dr Robinson
5 stars
“Fantastic service and a wonderful destination
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine
13 Oct 2022
Mr Howells
5 stars
“An excellent rail/cruise. The Tour Guides were extremely helpful and supported the tour without a hitch, The Amadeus boat could not be faulted, and the on-board crew and staff were first rate. The tour was well thought out and it was well worth the trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
Romantic Road and Bavarian Alps
22 Sep 2022
S Graham
5 stars
“A really enjoyable tour with a very friendly group and an excellent tour manager
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Alpine Explorer
08 Sep 2022
Ian Rowe
5 stars
“Leaving by Eurostar remains a pleasure compared to a busy airport. First class rail travel between centres worked well. Good to excellent hotels en route. Affable small group and our friendly tour guide kept everything moving to schedule. Stunning locations.
Collected by Trustpilot
Interlaken and the Jungfrau Express in Winter
8/Mar
Chris W
4 stars
“Very little snow this year. Still enjoyed the trip even though I was unable to do all on offer due to unexpected health probs. Team leader Ros excellent in looking after all our needs. Hotels very good.
Collected by Trustpilot
Interlaken and the Jungfrau Express at New Year
11/Jan
Andrew Reynolds
4 stars
“This was booked as a surprise special birthday trip for my wife and was on the whole a great experience. However there were a few issues that didn't quite make it a 5 star rating. Firstly I fully understand that this is a rail trip and on the whole was ok, but the journey out was not fully explained as the first 2 days was taken up with traveling to Interlaken via Brussels with an overnight in Cologne then there was an 8hr train journey from Cologne to Interlaken, which we considered a waste of a day as there are quicker routes which would have only taken a day which the return journey route was taken. Secondly the tour manager was a lovely, friendly lady, but was lacking in experience of the locality and could have done some more research around what was available to do in around Interlaken especially on our one free day we had. Talking to other guests on this trip, when they asked her for advise she could only direct them to the hotels reception staff who were very helpful. She also seemed lacking in confidence around train times and facilities on board and often panicking when arriving at stations as to where to go next to either exit the station or where the connecting train was, which wasn't really rocket science as the train announcer was very clear and spoke very good English as do most of the Swiss people we came in contact with and very helpful. Thirdly the hotel was comfortable and clean, facilities were basic, but pricing was very expensive i.e single measure of whiskey £19 no tea or coffee making equipment in the room there was a mini bar which was hideously expensive i.e. small bottle of water £5, however there are various shops local to the hotel where these items can be purchase a lot cheaper. As mentioned above on the whole the experience was amazing and would definitely return, but would choose to fly in and only use local trains, which were excellent, clean, always on time and reasonably cheap, the British rail service could learn a lot from the Swiss train service.
Collected by Trustpilot
Austrian Alps All-Inclusive
27 Oct 2022
S Thompson
4 stars
“A very scenic tour managed by John, who was wonderful and melded the 23 of us to a really friendly group. More free time would have been good to go see whatever interested individuals. The 2 long distance trains and a bus on the 2 days either end of the tour were long, very trying and tiring. Accomodation and food were very good.
Collected by Trustpilot
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